Taxidermy in checked luggage

[Kalahari Ferrari]

Wanted to check to see if anyone here has successfully brought taxidermy back with them into the US in their checked luggage.

I’m in South Africa currently and the kudu and gemsbok skull mounts from a hunt I did last year in South Africa are complete and I picked them up from the Taxidermist. I have room in checked bags to take them back and figured this would be quick and easier than shipping since it’s only a few mounts.

From my basic research, I’m seeing I need to submit a Form 3-177 wildlife form and maybe bring a proof of legal hunt.

Does anyone have experience doing this? Any input/advice is appreciated, thank you

 

[Oil & Dirt]

Sorry I’ve never done that. I did check a frozen grizzly hide in a sealed tote at the recommendation of my taxidermist and I don’t think I remember having any additional paperwork but that was all domestic travel.

Love the name. I always feel bad for the kalahari Ferrari’s you pass in those villages. Hope I don’t come back as a white donkey in a South Africa village

 

[Atticus]

I’ve done it with roe deer and wild boar tusks from Romania. They were already completed taxidermy and I packed them in my luggage, declared them with CBP—they checked them upon arrival—no problem.

I’ve not tried it from Africa.

 

[channelkat]

folowing

 

[Mekaniks]

If it’s completed taxidermy, you have the paperwork, declare it and it’s not a “cities” animal….It should not be a problem.
No different than purchasing a finished zebra hide at the airport….